Two Neo-nazi Leaders Go on Trial for Slandering Anne Frank’s Memory

October 18, 1961

LUBECK, W. Germany (Oct. 17)

Two members of the neo-Nazi German Reichspartei went on trial today on charges of slandering the memory of Anne Frank. The charges of libel against Lother Stielau, district chairman of the party, and Heinrich Buddeberg, Schleswig-Holstein state chairman, were filed by Anne Frank’s father two years ago.

Stielau, a high school teacher, claimed that the girl’s diary, which became a bestseller and a widely acclaimed play and film in many languages, was a forgery, Buddenberg later supported Stielau’s claim. The defendants were candidates in the West German elections for Parliament last month but both were defeated.